For Bruce Kitchens, serving as a crossing guard is just one of the ways he dedicates his time to giving back to his beloved community. Kitchens moved to Irving as a teenager, graduated from Irving High School (class of ‘69), and after a brief hiatus from Texas during his college years, returned to his childhood home just down the street from Lamar Middle School.

During his son’s school years Kitchens and his wife both dedicated their spare time to serving the Irving and Irving ISD community.

“I went to Irving High, my wife went to Irving High, and so did my son,” says Kitchens. “We’re real proud to be part of the [Irving ISD] system, even after graduating.”

About two years ago Kitchens retired, freeing up more time to give back to the Irving community. He started as an Irving ISD crossing guard in October 2020, serving Brown Elementary School and Lamar Middle School. 

Each morning and afternoon, Kitchen mans the crosswalk as students make their way to and from school. Each student, parent and sibling that passes by gets a warm smile and wave from Kitchens.

Protecting, serving and caring for his community has always been a priority for Kitchen. As a crossing guard, he gets to do just that every day. 

“I’ve always tried to help Irving, wether it be helping kids learn football or basketball or whatever,” says Kitchens. “I try to stay involved in the things going on in Irving.”

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Irving ISD is looking for more crossing guards! If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a crossing guard, contact Ruth Escamilla at ruth@thecrossingguardcompany.com or by calling 682-888-2767.